The Sixty Minute Story is a new book format designed for the modern day and busy lifestyles, and embraces reading technology like e-readers, cellphones and mobile computing.

These are the essential components of any SMS (Sixty Minute Story)

1. Maximum of 15,000 words

The average reading speed is 250 words per minute and so the main content of an SMS must be no more than 15,000 words.

2. Has a square cover image

An SMS has a front cover image with an equal height and width. This 'square' looks like a CD cover and helps make your SMS stand out as a Sixty Minute Story rather than a 'normal' book when found online.

3. Has a summary available

Like most printed books, the summary (or synopsis) is a short overview introducing the book and provides potential readers with a brief introduction to the book. This does not need to be included within the book but is available at the point of download.

4. Has an author biography available

An author bio provides the opportunity to let readers know who wrote the book and can also provide any information such as links to personal websites.

5. Available in the e-book formats - epub, pdf and plain text

The SMS is a book form designed for reading on digital devices and all Sixty Minute Stories must be available to read in the following formats:

epub - readable on all dedicated e-reading devices plus the iPhone and iPod touch
pdf - which is readable on most computers and web browsers
plain text - which is readable on cellphones and all computers

6. Is a stand-alone read

The Sixty Minute Story must be a self-contained read which does not require reading any other book first. The book itself can be one of a series, but each book must be self-contained in its own right.